Labour has been accused of using Jimmy Savile's name to 'deliberately bait' Nigel Farage, causing distress to survivors of child sexual abuse. Alan Collins, a lawyer representing abuse survivors, criticised safeguarding minister Jess Phillips and technology secretary Peter Kyle for invoking the late TV presenter's name to score political points.
Peter Kyle sparked controversy by claiming that Nigel Farage and Reform UK are 'on the side of predators like Savile' for opposing the Online Safety Act. He told Sky News that if Savile were alive today, he would be committing crimes online, and that Farage is on his side. Reform chair Zia Yusuf called this 'one of the most disgusting things a politician had ever said'.
Jess Phillips later said she wanted to speak to Farage about 'one of those modern-day Saviles', referring to online abuser Alexander McCartney. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander also defended the comparison, stating Farage is 'in effect saying that he is on their side' by wanting to repeal the act.
Alan Collins said using Savile's name triggers trauma in abuse survivors, even those not directly victimised by him. He urged the government to stop using the name and focus on safeguarding. Richard Scorer, another solicitor for Savile victims, called it 'completely wrong' to use their suffering for political gain, and urged all parties to implement the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse recommendations.
